As New York Islanders fans have come to know this season, you never quite know which Islander team is going to show up.

On Saturday night in Uniondale, 2009 number one draft pick John Tavares netted three goals in notching his second NHL hat trick, as the Islanders topped in-state rival Buffalo 5-3.

New York defeated Buffalo 5-3 Saturday night on Long Island./Associated Press

Along the way, goalie Rick DiPietro tallied 40 saves, as the Islanders rebounded from three straight losses.

“I felt great,” DiPietro told The Associated Press. “We had a better effort and a much better start.”

Blake Comeau and Michael Grabner also scored for New York, while Tomas Vanek, Tyler Ennis and Jochen Hecht registered strikes for the Sabres.

Tavares, however, was the man on this night when it came to the offense. The youngster has now recorded 10 goals in his last 15 games.

“John (Tavares) has always had a consistent effort,” DiPietro remarked to the AP. “He’s learning how to gear up for an 82-game season. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially for a 20-year old.”

DiPietro, for his part, was pretty darn good too.

“He played awesome,” Comeau noted. “When you give up that many shots, and Ricky stood on his head like he did, he gives us a chance to win every night. He’s a big part of this team. Even in the locker room he’s one of the leaders, he’s been around for a while. He’s a guy that we like to see healthy and in the lineup.”

The Islanders will next line up against the league-worst New Jersey Devils on Monday at home (1 p.m.).